The prime minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has named social media as “the worst menace to society,” suggesting that it is a tool of liars, that is being utilised to bad mouth the government and support protests in the country.
Protests have been taking place due to the proposed demolition of Istanbul's Taksmi Gezi Park, to allow for a new shopping centre to be built. This is far from the first that has been constructed in the city, another one is something the locals feel is completely unnecessary. Due to police interference in the protest and the use of tear gas and water cannons, more protests with an anti-government focus have sprung up around the country, with many of those involved documenting their experiences online – especially through social media.
I trust anyone with a flag pin on their lapel. Source Wiki
The Turkish authorities however believe much of the information being spread is lies, the motivation for which it claims, could be from a foreign power.
Despite the obvious distrust felt towards the PM by his nation's populace though, he is keen to deny claims that he is a dictator. He continued to lash out against social media sites in an interview reported in Radikal (via Wired) where he said: “There is now a menace which is called Twitter. The best examples of lies can be found there.”
KitGuru Says: He sounds like every Western leader talking about terrorism. Or every Western leader in every sci-fi flick talking about an alien invasion.